Citizen Participation & Education

Residents are understandably concerned about transportation infrastructure. An informed public is the cornerstone of participatory government. By having current and correct information, residents can better participate in all parts of the decision making process.

Citizen Roles

Citizen participation is actively solicited. MCAG has a standing Citizens Advisory Committee (CAC) made up of business, industry, and citizen-at-large members, which meets 12 times a year. They make recommendations to the Governing Board on all transportation related items. General citizens comments are gathered through public workshops, surveys at numerous events and through the MCAG website. The intent is to involve the general public including the traditionally underrepresented (i.e. Black, Hispanic, Asian American, American Indian/Alaskan Native, and Pacific Islander).

In view of current difficulties in securing adequate financing for needed projects, having a well-informed decision making process is critical. To achieve this, MCAG has a Technical Planning Commission (TPC), (composed of local public works and planning staff), and Technical Review Board (TRB), (composed of city managers and the county administrative officer) that make recommendations to the Governing Board every month in additional to the CAC’s recommendations.

Public Outreach

MCAG’s public communications program consists of:

Websites

Press releases

Public service announcements

Public workshops

An electronic newsletter

Speakers at local service clubs, schools, and civic organizations, as well as meetings at those same organizations

These communication mechanisms are used to provide information on current and future transportation planning issues. In 2008, MCAG contracted for televising services to place most of the MCAG Governing Board meetings on local cable channels and the Internet.

Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964

The Merced County Association of Governments (MCAG) is committed to a policy of nondiscrimination in the conduct of its business, including its Title VI responsibilities, and to the delivery of equitable and accessible transportation. Any person who believes that he or she has been subjected to discrimination under Title VI on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, gender, or disability may file a Title VI complaint with MCAG within 180 days from the date of the alleged discrimination.View information on the Title VI program (PDF), including how to file a complaint with MCAG. View the appendices (PDF).